I Would Be Here If I Could
Our Creative Director, Chris Price shares his thoughts on a recent consultation project…
Over the past few months, I had the privilege of consulting on an inspiring project developed by artist, Alison Larkman, titled ‘I Would Be Here If I Could’. As someone living with ME herself, Alison brings a vital lived perspective to the work, which explores how immersive art can meaningfully support people with Long Covid and ME. I worked alongside the creative and technical teams, contributing both my professional knowledge and my personal experiences of living with chronic illness.
This consultancy was supported through an Immersive Arts ‘Explore’ grant, which enabled me to contribute to this deeply meaningful project.
Immersive tech and lived experience combined
Immersive technology is often framed in terms of novelty or entertainment but this project reimagines it as something far more urgent and essential: a companion, a sanctuary, a mirror. Quite literally, Alison’s remarkable Mirrorbox exemplifies this vision. It allows users to connect with individuals living with ME and Long Covid through intimate audio recordings that share their personal stories and the places they long to visit – places now out of reach due to chronic illness. By honouring the often-invisible realities of these conditions, the Mirrorbox reflects a deep, lived understanding, clearly shaped by those who know this experience from the inside out.
Having lived with Cystic Fibrosis my whole life, I know how isolating and misunderstood chronic illness can be. It was powerful to bring that perspective to this project, especially as someone who has also used creative storytelling to convey my own experiences. A short film I made previously about living with CF has been a point of reference throughout my own work, and this undoubtedly shaped how I approached the emotional and sensory accessibility of the installation Alison and her team were developing.
Having lived with Cystic Fibrosis my whole life, I know how isolating and misunderstood chronic illness can be... I'm incredibly proud to have played a part in this project and grateful to Zubr for creating a space where chronic illness is not a limitation but a lens.
Chris Price, Creative Director, Zubr
Improving access to virtual spaces
I’m incredibly proud to have played a part in this project and grateful to Zubr for creating a space where chronic illness is not a limitation but a lens. Zubr has a growing track record of integrating inclusive design principles into their immersive work, from physical space adaptations to accessible app design. Zubr’s efforts go beyond minimum standards, striving to build experiences that are grounded in dialogue, empathy, and innovation. This project is just one example of Zubr’s commitment to accessibility as a creative principle, not just a checklist.
This project has reminded me how vital it is to centre lived experience in design. It’s not just about accessibility, it’s about authorship, agency, and ensuring underrepresented voices are heard. Alison Larkman has developed a deeply thoughtful immersive installation, one that not only engages visitors but also encourages empathy and empowers participants. You can read more about the project via the BBC’s recent article, which captures the intention behind the work and the people involved.
So far, the Mirrorbox has travelled from Troopers Hill to Ashton Court, Bristol, and then most recently, to Glastonbury Tor. A Mirrorbox update is currently in the works, with more information here.
